Born in Tokyo and beginning his studies at age 12 with his father, Japanese trombonist Ko-ichiro Yamamoto is now the principal trombonist of the Seattle Symphony, a faculty member of the University of Washington School of Music, and the newest member of the Center City Brass Quintet. For ten seasons he was a trombonist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York City and in 2012 he was the acting principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic and co-principle trombonist of the All Star Orchestra.

Ko-ichiro is an active soloist, recitalist, chamber music performer and clinician, performing internationally throughout the United States, Asia and Europe with ensembles that include the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Chamber Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the Osaka Municipal Symphonic Band, New Philharmonic Japan, U.S. Army Band, and many more. He is also an active recording artist and has performed on numerous TV and movie recordings in New York and Tokyo.

He has won numerous awards, prizes and scholarships in Japan and abroad, including fourth place in the International Trombone Association Competition in Australia in 1998, the first grand prize of the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition in 1991, and the diploma prize at the Prague International Music Competition in 1992.

Ko-ichiro studied at Tokyo College of Music Senior High school, the Franz Liszt Music Academy where he studied under Gusztav Hoena and Sztan Tivador, and The Julliard School from 1994-96 where he studied with Joseph Alessi.

Recordings of Ko-ichiro include “Proof” and “Family Tree” under Kosei Publishing along with “Trombone Concerto” and “Ballade” under Octavia Recordings.

Ko-ichiro plays on the new Yamaha Zeno 8820R and 8830RX prototype trombones.

Visit his website: www.koichiroyamamoto.com